Minor crack in headstock

Zodiac · #1 10-10-2007, 08:54 AM

There's a slight crack starting at the hole for the 1st gear. It wraps around the side and is about 1/2 way to the front. By towards the front I mean the crack is facing me and not wrapping around the back.

Anyone know if there any simple way to repair this?

I'm at work right now, but can post a picture when I get home tonight if that'll help.

Zodiac · #2 10-12-2007, 07:40 AM

Ok, I managed to take some pictures. They're from my cellphone, so they look like crap. I drew over the cracks in order to show where they are.

Of course, I can use this as an excuse with the wife to get another bass!

jrfrond · #3 10-12-2007, 07:59 AM

That is not uncommon. Just run some water-thin Super Glue into the crack to stabilize it and wipe off the excess. Once it cures, it's fine. Structurally, there's really no problem.

202dy · #4 10-12-2007, 08:35 AM

This is a simple repair that can be performed by the handy. The tuning machine(s) is removed. The crack is opened slightly using a clamp and some cauls. Regular wood working glues like yellow glue (aliphatic resin) is the adhesive of choice here. The glue can be used as is. For deeper penetration the glue can be thinned 10% with water and injected into the crack using a syringe. The clamping system is removed and the crack is clamped again to hold the crack together. There should be some squeeze out. That is cleaned up with a little bit of water. Using this method allows the wood fibers to be brought into contact again and a thin line of adhesive to bond the wood back together. Cure time is twenty four hours. Remove the clamps, reinstall the tuner and string it up. It is ready to go.